About Fateh Sagar Lake

Fateh Sagar Lake is the second artificial lake of Udaipur, the first being Jaisamand lake. Located in the north of Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar Lake lies just besides the entrance to Moti Magri Hill. Built in 1678 by Maharana Jai Singh, Fateh Sagar Lake got its name from Maharana Fateh Singh, who later made additions to it. Talking about the statistics of Fateh Sagar, the lake extends to the length of 2.4 km, 1.6 km. in width and deep to the extent of 11.5 meter. During the monsoons, the lake covers the total area of around 1 sq km.

Fateh Sagar Lake is well-planned with three intake channels and an overflow channel that is usually brought into play in the rainy season. Fateh Sagar Lake is embellished by three small islands, which can be reached by taking a boat ride in the lake. The largest island of the lake is developed into a park by the name of Nehru Park. The garden comprises a boat-shaped restaurant and a small zoo for children. This island park is the favorite picnic spot of Udaipur dwellers.

The second island is converted into a public park with brilliant water-jet fountains by the Government of Rajasthan. The third island addresses Udaipur Solar Observatory, which is the best solar observing site in Asia. Fateh Sagar Lake is quiet place where people usually come for relaxation and to lighten up amidst the serene waters of the lake. From the bottom of Moti Magri Hill, you can hire pedal boats or motor boats as per your convenience to enjoy a boat ride in the lake.

This pear-shaped lake is encircled by hills, with the exception of its eastern side, where a straight stone dam is to be found. You can enjoy this lake taking its circumference while driving through Moti Magri Road, Fateh Sagar Drive and Rani Road. This twisting route would present stunning views of the lake as well as the encompassing Aravalli Hills. Fateh Sagar Lake is a nice place to explore and tourists certainly come to enjoy the tranquil beauty of this lake.

History

Originally, Maharana Jai Singh constructed the Fateh Sagar Lake in the year 1687. However, about 200 years later, the earthen bund forming the lake got washed away, thereby razing the lake. Subsequently, Maharana Fateh Singh built the Connaught dam in 1889 which gave shape to the present-day lake, and to honour him it was renamed Fateh Sagar Lake.

Attractions

Nehru Park – The Nehru Park is the largest island on the lake. It has been developed rather beautifully and has lush green gardens displayed. There is a mini- zoo here too that houses several animals and birds. The boat shaped restaurant is quite popular with the tourists and locals. There are many tall palm trees here and some fantastic water fountains that have been carved out of huge marble slabs.

Public Park – The second island on the lake has been converted into a large public park. The jet water fountains here are extremely famous and are lit in the evenings as well. The park well maintained with blossoming flowers and huge lawn areas.

Udaipur Solar Observatory – Built by Dr Arvind Bhatanagar in 1975, the Udaipur Solar Observatory is said to be one of the best solar sites in all of Asia.

Motor boats – Motor boat rides are one of the most popular water sports offered at the Fateh Sagar Lake. These boats take you around the lake and allow for an up-close view of the hills.

Stone Dam – On the eastern side of the lake is a stone dam that controls the waters of the lake. It is interesting to see how the water is controlled here and released from time to time.

Interesting Facts

The lake is surrounded by the Aravalli Hills.

Fateh Sagar Lake is said to provide work to 60% of the Udaipur residents.

The lake is fed by Pichola Lake, Badi Lake and Madar Lake apart from many other smaller rain water streams.

Cetyl alcohol is often spread over the lake surface in times when a drought is feared and the authorities want to minimise evaporation.

In 1978 1.8 tonnes of fish was harvested from the lake.

The lake is 11.5 meters deep, 2.4 km in length and 1.6km wide.

The Udaipur Solar Observatory is inspired by the Solar Observatory at Big Bear Lake in Southern California.

Boating at Fateh Sagar Lake

What’s a trip to the Fateh Sagar Lake without a detour for some good old boating! One of the best ways to explore the verdant greenery of the city as you enjoy the spectacle of the Aravalli, boating here is a tourist favourite. Different types of boats are available at the service of the patrons and you can choose your pick from the same. The prices for the same are listed below:-

Boat ride: INR 15-30 (Indians), INR 60-125 (Foreign Nationals)

Motorboat: INR 200 (Adult), INR 100 (Child)

Speedboat: INR 200 for 30 minutes (8:00 AM to 4:30 PM)

Timing

Daily: 8 am to 4:30 pm

Activities at the Fateh Sagar Lake

Being one of the activity hubs of the city, the Fateh Sagar Lake has quite a few interesting things for every kind of visitor. Revel in the beauty of this charming lake as you boat your way through its water, or sit back at the banks and go for a lazy afternoon of spotting local birds. You can also indulge in nature photography or bring along some snacks and have an impromptu picnic with your friends and family. The sunsets here are especially picturesque and you must visit this destination to witness the same!

Events at Fateh Sagar Lake

Fateh Sagar Lake is one of the few venues which hosts the hottest national and international events in the town. One of the most awaited events that are held here is the World Music Festival, which is a three-day celebration of music and all that it represents. Generally held sometime during the month of February, you can witness mesmerising performances by national and international artists. Be it poems or soul-stirring instrumentals, you are bound to find your kind of music here.

Another important festival held at the Fateh Sagar Lake is the Hariyali Amavasya Mela which sees a great footfall every year. Also known as the Green New Moon Fair, this celebration is held during the months of August/September or Shravan. It is a colourful celebration of the onset of the monsoon season and is celebrated over the course of three days. Fun, festivities and frolic mark these days and various cultural celebrations are held to welcome the rains.

How to Reach

The lake is located only 5 km away from the bus station and railway station and 27 km from the airport. The tourists can hire taxis, auto rickshaws, Tongas (horse driven two wheelers) or the local buses to reach here.

Air : Indian Airlines daily connects Udaipur with Jodhpur, Jaipur, Aurangabad, Mumbai and Delhi. Dabok Airport is 21 Km. from the city centre and transportation by taxi takes 35-45 minutes.

Rail : The Railway Station is about 3 Km. from the city centre. Udaipur is directly connected by rail with Delhi, Jaipur, Ajmer, Chittaur, Jodhpur and Ahmedabad.

Road : Udaipur is connected by National Highway No. 8, the major road link between Mumbai and Delhi. The Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh Road Transport Corporation operate buses to Udaipur from various regions. Private bus companies also operate in the region during night hours. The State Transport Bus Stand is on City Station Road, NH 8, Udaipur.